How to choose and buy a robot
A useful robot starts with a useful job. This guide helps you turn an interesting machine into a clear shortlist, with the right questions about capability, support and the buying process.
Describe one job it should do
Write down the task, where it happens and what a successful result looks like. For a home, that might be cleaning a defined floor area while you are out. For a business, it might be moving a particular load between two handover points.
Include the human effort you can accept: preparing the space, loading items, remote control, supervision or maintenance. This creates a useful comparison between machines with very different appearances.
Understand the availability label
An orderable listing gives you a route to place an order, with stock and delivery confirmed by the seller. A preorder may reserve a future opportunity. A beta application asks to join a trial. A quote, demo or sales enquiry starts a conversation about a configured deployment.
For example, 1X's NEO preorder terms describe a waitlist for an invitation, while Sunday offers an invite-only Memo beta. Read the terms behind the button before treating either as a delivery commitment.
Compare the configuration you would receive
Check the exact model, included tools, sensors, software access and accessories. Ask which demonstrated functions are available now, which require an upgrade and which remain planned.
Development access can change the decision: Unitree specifies EDU configurations for secondary development on R1 and G1. A lower-priced configuration should be evaluated against your intended use, rather than the full capability of the product family.
Check the space and the ongoing work
Measure access routes, working clearances and charging space. Check the required phone, computer, network or cloud service, and how the robot behaves when a connection is unavailable.
List the work that continues after setup: refilling, emptying, cleaning, charging, calibration or replacing parts. For a workplace deployment, give responsibility for that routine to a named role before the trial begins.
Compare the complete cost and support
Ask for the full cost of a usable setup, including delivery, required accessories, software or service fees, installation, consumables and support. Confirm the currency and the terms applicable to your destination.
Check who handles repairs, where parts are supplied from and what happens during downtime. For professional robots, ask for a written proposal with the equipment, training and support scope clearly identified.
Make the final check with the maker
Shortlist a few products that can perform the same job. Review a complete demonstration or request a trial with a realistic task. Record the operator interventions as well as the completed work.
Before committing, confirm the exact configuration, present capabilities, availability, delivery location, cancellation or return terms and ongoing charges. Robotic Genius links to official makers; the relevant seller confirms the purchase and service terms.
Sources & further reading
- 1X preorder terms (opens in a new tab)
- Sunday beta programme (opens in a new tab)
- Unitree R1 (opens in a new tab)
- Unitree G1 (opens in a new tab)
This guide draws on manufacturer and official information. It is not a hands-on product test. Availability and programmes can change; confirm current details with the provider.
How we put these guides together
